Kolkata: Cricket fans were eagerly waiting to see Virat Kohli return in the Indian jersey after his sensational IPL campaign. However, that wait has now been delayed. The star batter has reportedly been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan national cricket team due to a hamstring injury. The development has triggered concern within Indian cricket circles ahead of the three-match series.
Read Bengali: হ্যামস্ট্রিং চোটে আফগানিস্তান সিরিজে নেই বিরাট, বাড়ছে ভারতের উদ্বেগ
No Official Confirmation Yet
Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India has not yet made an official announcement, reports quoting a board official claim that Kohli has been advised rest by doctors because of the injury.
According to the report, the hamstring issue will prevent him from participating in the ODI series against Afghanistan.
Major Blow for Team India
Kohli’s absence is being viewed as a major setback for the Indian side, especially considering his recent form.
The veteran batter enjoyed a brilliant IPL season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He scored 675 runs in 16 matches and emerged as one of the tournament’s most successful batters.
Kohli maintained an impressive batting average of over 56 while striking at nearly 166 throughout the season. He also played a crucial innings in the final, helping RCB win their second consecutive IPL title.
Excellent Form in International Cricket Too
The 35-year-old has also been in strong form in international cricket over the past year. During the previous ODI season, Kohli scored 651 runs in 13 matches, including three centuries and four half-centuries.
After stepping away from Test and T20I cricket, Kohli has shifted his primary focus to the 50-over format. As a result, every international ODI series has become increasingly important for him and the Indian team.
Training Camp Plans Affected
Reports suggested that Kohli was scheduled to join India’s special preparation camp in Mullanpur from June 9 to 11 ahead of the Afghanistan series. He was expected to train alongside captain Rohit Sharma and other members of the squad before the team travelled to Dharamshala.
However, the injury is now likely to disrupt those plans.
Rohit Sharma’s Fitness Also Under Watch
India’s concerns do not end with Kohli. Questions remain over Rohit Sharma’s fitness as well after he reportedly suffered an injury during the IPL season.
Although there has been no official update regarding the severity of Rohit’s condition, uncertainty surrounding two senior players has added pressure on the Indian camp ahead of the series.
Focus on 2027 ODI World Cup
Kohli’s injury comes at a crucial time as India continue preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The team management will now hope that the former captain recovers quickly and returns to action without any long-term complications.
For Indian cricket fans, the biggest question now is how soon one of the country’s greatest batters can return to full fitness and resume his remarkable run in international cricket.
